Lib Dems oppose East Sussex homes sell-off plan

Hundreds of properties across East Sussex could be sold off under government plans to reduce the number of council homes.

The Liberal Democrats criticised the move describing it as ‘irresponsible’ and said it would ramp up demand for housing and increase rents.

It comes despite figures from homeless charity Shelter which show there are 8,559 families on housing waiting lists across East Sussex.

The Housing and Planning Bill – debated in the House of Commons on Monday, November 2 – includes plans to force councils to sell low rent homes in high value areas, as the Conservative Party rolls out its Right to Buy scheme.

Nick Perry, for the Hastings & Rye Liberal Democrats, said: “The Tory plans are irresponsible and will reduce the number of low rent, social homes in the places they are needed most.

“Once they are sold off to the private market, they are lost as affordable homes forever. It means more families on low to middle incomes will struggle to get a decent home.

“This might not matter to Amber Rudd and George Osborne, but it matters to many people here.

“The Liberal Democrats are committed to defending social housing.

“As a party we are making the case that the government should not be forcing the hand of local councils to sell off much needed housing which will hurt the diverse communities of East Sussex.”

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